Hi there!
I'm going to Morocco in September for a few weeks, between three and three and a half weeks. I'm flying ryanair to Jerez and then getting the ferry across to Tangier. I want to spend a few days in and around that northern tip of Morocco and making my way down to Fes. I also want to fit in Casablanca, Meknes, Marrakech, Jebel Toubkai, Agadir, Tarlaya.
I'd like to do some sand boarding, trekking and camel rides in the western sahara if possible.
Could anyone recommend good places to do the above? Am i trying to speeze in too much in too little time?!
I've been reading LP Morocco and it recommends a budget of between US$15-20 per day, is this realistic?? Because reading through people's comments here it doesn't seem possible. I've been thinking maybe €550/600 for three weeks?!
Is there anything out of the ordinary or spectacular/amazing/breathtaking/out of this world that i shouldn't miss?
Also, i'm a female travelling alone, obviously i will cover up not drawing attention to myself through my clothes, but should i be worried travelling alone or is Morocco ok for solo female travellers?
Any other tips etc would be greatly appreciated!!!
cheers
Hi Paddy, Unless you intend to sleep in flophouses or under the stars and only eat once per day, you won't get far on 15-20 euros per day in Morocco. This an unfortunate and popular misconception about Morocco travel. That amount will cover your transportation between two cities, or your meals for a day, or a 2 star hotel for a night, but not all of those for a day.
It's not unsafe to travel alone as a female as long as you don't wander off the beaten track with strangers, but just the fact that you are alone draws attention. It is not common here for women go out alone, much less travel alone, and that sends out the signal that you need a man. If you don't want one, just be prepared with some effective brush-offs.
The whole dunes area around Merzouga is wonderful for the camel rides and sandboarding adventures. There are a range of auberges from simple to luxurious with choices from overnight tenting to fancy rooms with a/c.
As for the must-see sites in Morocco, there are too many to list - the whole country is spectacular. Ramadan starts in mid-September this year and that alone will put a unique spin on your experience. Have a great time!
Cheers for that malekadefes.
So i'll give myself about US$30-35 per day so.
Merzouga looks good. I suppose it would be less touristy than other places as well.
I hadn't realised Ramadan was on around that time, i thought it was later in the year. That will be a different experience as well. Good :) So now i was thinking, go straight from Fes to Merzouga and spend a few days around that area and then head further west for some trekking.
If you had the choice, (I know they're all meant to be spectacular) but which area would you choose for trekking? I've heard that Jebel Toubkal is amazing, but very touristy....
Three and a half weeks is a good amount of time, you should be able to do all that you want to. I would recommend about 700 Euros for three and a half weeks, or at least having a credit card for backup.
Your itinerary is kind of strange, in my opinion. Casablanca is a big, ugly dirty city and not really worth visiting aside from the Hassan II Mosque (and if you really want to see that, just stop for a few hours between Meknes and Marrakech). Agadir is also not the best place if you're interested in Moroccan history and culture - it's just a 30-year-old beach town geared toward tourists.
You can do your trekking around Marrakech, and the sand boarding (I don't know about that one, but...) and camel rides can be done at the dunes of Merzouga or Zagora - Here's an idea for your route:
North - Fes - Meknes - Marrakech (via train through Casa) - Jebel Toubkal - Merzouga - bus to Fez - back to the north, assuming you're exiting the same way you came in. Otherwise, Zagora might make more sense, for example if you're flying out of Marrakech.
Yes, Morocco is safe for a solo woman - I've been doing it for three years. Since you'll be visiting in Ramadan, it's a good idea to cover up a little extra and avoid much makeup (Muslim women try not to attract men during this time). You'll also be lucky enough to avoid daytime harassment - as most men won't harass women while fasting! Be careful at night though, the rules don't really apply then. Still, the only place I'd be really careful is the north, especially Tangier and Tetouan. Also, be careful trekking alone - but it's likely you'll meet up with others on your journey.
Have a great time!
You can do it under somewhere under $30 just about, even with travel. Depends how strict you are on yourself. The Toubkal area isn't touristy; there are plenty of hikers in Imlil (where people start out) but for a first timer that's a plus. Never been to Merzouga but itrs more on the tourist trail than Toubkal...
As alifaba says skip Casa and Agadir. I disagree about Meknes. Personally, I wouldn't bother for a 3 week trip. Almost everyone that heads to Morocco misses out the Anti Atlas and far south. Depends what you like. At least from Merzouga you should head towards Tazzarine and N'kob followed by the Draa. Then perhaps down to Zagora.
And I've got to say that doing Marrakech, Toubkal and Merzouga isn't that straightforward. Because you either have to go back into Marrakech from Toubkal, which is quickest but a pain, or cross the High Atlas to Aoulouz from Asni. Me? I would do it Fes/Merzouga/Aoulouz/Tizi n Test/Toubkal.
If you scroll down you'll find details somewhere of transport around the High Atlas.
Thanks guys. Nusnus I like your itinerary...Think i'd prefer Merzouga - Tizi n Test - Jebel Toubkal...sure i'll play it by ear when i get there! Looking forward to it now. Any more tips welcomed :)
If you go along the N12, Wednesday is souk day at Tazzarine, Friday at N'kob (the bigger one). If you want to see old Morocco, this is it. Try to get to at least one country souk. Zagora is Wednesday and Sunday. Use Kasbah Ait Atta at N'kob. Cheap, unspoilt, right by the oasis, good breakfast. Ask in the village and there are signs.
The other option is to go Merzouga/Tinerhir/Boumalne (for the Dades)/Ouazazarte. Extensive oasis at Tinerhir. The views going up to the gorge are stunning.
Bus from Aoulouz to Marrakech via Asni (where you get off for Imlil) at about 7 am.
hello, i'm from morocco , i organize small trips by cars or camels , so if you are interesting can you contact me in sand_help@yahoo.fr
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